The James Lane Post presents its “East End Community Spotlight” series, highlighting nonprofit organizations working in the East End. To submit your nonprofit organization to be featured in this series, please email info@jameslanepost.com.
i-tri is a community-based organization that works with 13 East End school districts to empower adolescent girls as they train to complete youth distance triathlons. We learned more about the program.
Can you tell us about your organization?
i-tri is a comprehensive community-based program that promotes self-esteem, personal empowerment, self-confidence, positive body image, and healthy lifestyle choices in adolescent girls. i-tri participants train their mind, body and spirit to complete a youth long-distance triathlon as a metaphor for life's journey, giving them the opportunity and means to achieve seemingly impossible goals . Along the way, i-tri participants develop strong habits and attitudes that last a lifetime. This program is always free for all participants.
Can you talk about the importance of this work in the East End?
i-tri partners with 13 school districts on Long Island's East End, from Mastic to Montauk. Over the past 14 seasons, more than 1,200 participants have crossed the finish line of a youth triathlon.
Our participants come from typically marginalized populations and economically challenged families here in the East End. We remove financial barriers to participation by making the program free to all participants.
Why junior high school students? Because research shows that the greatest decline in self-esteem occurs during early adolescence. While 69% of elementary school girls said they were happy just the way they are, that number plummets to 29% in high school. i-tri was founded to best support vulnerable youth during this period of transition through a comprehensive program focused on sport, fitness, nutrition, empowerment and mental health. I am adapting.
How can the East End community get involved?
We are so thankful for our community! Volunteer at our triathlons, participate as a mentor at our annual Mentoring Day, donate to our programs, sponsor an event, or support us You can disseminate information about our activities.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer Fowkes at jenn@itrigirls.org or 631-268-8684.
